Registration of ‘Powderhorn’ Great Northern Bean

Abstract

‘Powderhorn’ great northern bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. No. CV-305, PI 669449), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2013 as an upright, midseason cultivar with tolerance to white mold [caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary]. Powderhorn, was developed using pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In five years of field trials, Powderhorn yielded 3044 kg ha−1, flowered in 42 d, and matured in 95 d on average. Plants averaged 50 cm in height, with lodging resistance score of 1.7 and seed weight of 37 g 100 seed−1. Powderhorn combines high yield potential with erect architecture with midseason maturity in a great northern seed type. Powderhorn has resistance to lodging and high pod placement within the plant structure, making it suitable for direct harvest under narrow-row production systems. The upright architecture also contributes to avoidance of white mold, a disease that is intensified by narrow-row production systems. In irrigated trials designed to promote white mold disease development, Powderhorn rated 50% incidence over 4 yr compared with other great northern cultivars that ranged from 70 to 87% white mold incidence. Powderhorn possesses resistance to specific races of rust, virus, and anthracnose. Powderhorn produces seed that meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the great northern bean seed class.